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Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): A Public Health Challenge
We spend over 80% of our time in enclosed spaces, where pollutant concentrations can be significantly higher than in outdoor air due to lower dilution volumes and the emission of various polluting substances. These pollutants include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2), and other harmful substances that can directly impact the health of occupants, especially vulnerable individuals such as children. Poor indoor air quality can lead to respiratory disorders, allergies, headaches, and even affect occupants' concentration, learning abilities, and overall well-being.
In response to these public health challenges, regulations have been strengthened with the publication in May 2021 of the National Health-Environment Plan 4, which now mandates stricter measures to ensure rigorous monitoring and reduce occupant exposure to indoor air pollutants.
What Do the Regulations State?
- collective childcare facilities for children under 6 years old, specifically nurseries, daycares, and kindergartens; health
- extracurricular or after-school recreational facilities for minors;
- primary and secondary education or vocational training establishments, namely preschools, elementary schools, as well as general, technical, or vocational middle and high schools.
Since January 1, 2025, the obligation has expanded to include new Public Access Buildings (ERPs), notably social and medico-social facilities, long-term care structures affiliated with healthcare establishments, and correctional facilities housing minors. However, the concrete implementation of these measures still awaits the publication of specific decrees, which will detail the exact modalities for monitoring and control.
The Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) monitoring system is based on systematic tracking, targeted measurement campaigns for specific pollutants, and the development of an action plan. It comprises four phases, detailed below.
Annual Evaluation of Ventilation Systems
Firstly, to ensure continuous monitoring of proper air renewal in buildings, the evaluation of building ventilation systems, previously conducted every 7 years, has been annualized.
This evaluation encompasses several aspects:
- Examination of openings such as windows and doors leading to the exterior;
- Inspection of ventilation grilles and terminals of mechanical ventilation systems;
- Verification of the accessibility and operability of openings;
- The examination of the condition and operation of ventilation equipment.
If the establishment comprises more than 6 rooms subject to regulation, then the assessment must be carried out on a representative sample of rooms, i.e., a minimum of 50% of the establishment's rooms (with a minimum of 5). These rooms should optimally represent the different areas of the building. The rooms concerned by the assessment of ventilation means are as follows:
- Classrooms;
- Activity rooms;
- Dining halls;
- Dormitories;
- Sports facilities adjacent to educational establishments.
Sinteo, supported by an accredited partner laboratory, can conduct this comprehensive assessment and provide a report detailing the conclusions to be considered in subsequent phases.
A self-assessment of the building's air quality
In addition to the annual assessment, an indoor air quality diagnostic, previously optional, must now be performed at least every four years. This in-depth diagnostic of the entire establishment aims to identify potential sources of pollution, ensure proper maintenance of ventilation systems, coordinate the various stakeholders involved, and continuously improve indoor air quality. It notably includes:
- The identification and reduction of pollutant emissions;
- The maintenance of ventilation equipment;
- The assessment of occupant exposure to pollutants;
- An analysis of site activities, materials, and equipment.
This self-assessment is conducted internally by the local authority's technical department and is based on four diagnostic grids (found in the CEREMA guide) covering premises management, maintenance, upkeep, and specific activities carried out within the establishment. Its development requires the involvement of all relevant personnel, including the manager, technical services, maintenance staff, and activity managers and users, to ensure a comprehensive and pertinent evaluation.
Measurement campaigns at key stages of the building's lifecycle
A measurement campaign for regulated pollutants must be carried out by an accredited body at each key stage of the building's lifecycle that may impact IEQ. Three pollutants are covered by this regulation:
- Formaldehyde, an indicator of indoor building pollution;
- Benzene, which is an indicator of outdoor pollution;
- Carbon dioxide, which indicates the quality of air renewal.
The threshold values to be considered are as follows:
If required, additional investigations must be conducted within two months following the initial results. These investigations are intended to precisely identify the causes and sources of pollution, while also proposing appropriate corrective measures to effectively address them.
These measurement campaigns are carried out by an organization accredited by Cofrac. CO2 concentration is continuously monitored during the building's heating period. For formaldehyde and benzene, two series of samples are taken: one during the heating period and the other outside of it, with an interval of 4 to 7 months between the two.
An event is considered a key stage in a building's lifecycle when it is likely to have an impact, positive or negative, on indoor air quality, either by influencing pollutant emissions or air renewal. This may include renovation work, a fire, a modification to the ventilation system, or a rearrangement of spaces.
However, the measurement of the three regulated pollutants (benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon dioxide) is not systematically required at every key stage. A partial measurement campaign, focusing on one or two of these pollutants, may suffice depending on several criteria:
- The scope of the key stage: distinguishing between major works, minor works, or simple actions on the premises;
- The type of modification or work carried out: for example, a change in interior materials or an intervention on ventilation systems;
- The size of the facility, which can influence the extent of necessary controls.
The thresholds for triggering measurements, regulatory requirements, and the number of rooms to be analyzed are detailed in the CEREMA guide: GOVERNMENT
Source: CEREMA Guide
In addition to mandatory measurements, it is recommended to conduct measurement campaigns for other pollutants that may be detrimental to occupants' health, such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fine particulate matter, or nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
Action Plan, Monitoring, and Communication
The action plan constitutes the central element of the indoor air quality monitoring system. Developed based on existing practices and uses within the facility, it aims for continuous improvement of IAQ through short-term and long-term measures. These actions may include the selection of less polluting products, ventilation optimization, or improved management of technical equipment.
This document plays a strategic role, combining diagnosis, planning, and monitoring. It must be regularly updated by integrating the results of annual ventilation assessments (including CO₂ measurements), self-diagnoses, and measurement campaigns conducted at key stages. By identifying potential deficiencies, it enables the proposal of appropriate corrections with clear, measurable objectives and defined deadlines.
To ensure its effectiveness, the plan must specify:
- The title and description of each action;
- The responsible parties and associated stakeholders;
- A precise implementation schedule.
Presented as a summary table for enhanced readability, it must be displayed at the entrance of the establishment and regularly updated, particularly during regulatory stages. Its development must be completed by the end of 2026, in accordance with Decree No. 2022-1689.
Radon: Mandatory Monitoring for Public Access Buildings
The level of radon exposure primarily depends on soil composition and specific geological factors. In France, the territory is divided into three radon potential zones:
- Zone 1: low potential;
- Zone 2: low potential, but with geological factors that may promote radon transfer into buildings;
- Zone 3: significant potential.
A municipal mapping was published in 2018 to enable rapid identification of risk zones. The website georisques.gouv allows users to identify all risks present in a given area, including radon, based on its location or municipality.
- Schools and boarding schools;
- Collective childcare facilities for children under 6 years old;
- Certain health, social, and medico-social establishments with accommodation;
- Thermal establishments;
- Penitentiary establishments.
The measurement of volumetric radon activity is mandatory in all ERPs located in Zone 3. In Zones 1 and 2, this obligation applies only if existing measurements have revealed concentrations exceeding 300 Bq/m³. Concerned ERPs must:
- Conduct radon measurements every 10 years or after substantial modifications to the building (insulation, ventilation, joinery, waterproofing, etc.). These measurements must be carried out by an organization approved by the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) in accordance with standard NF ISO 11665-8.
- Implement corrective actions if the regulatory threshold of 300 Bq/m³ is exceeded, to reduce occupant exposure.
Radon monitoring is thus part of an essential prevention approach to limit the health risks associated with this radioactive gas.
Conclusion
Indoor air quality is a critical public health issue, requiring rigorous monitoring in Public Access Buildings. Regulations mandate regular assessments, self-diagnostics, and measurement campaigns to limit exposure to pollutants. The action plan, a central component of the system, enables the identification and correction of observed deficiencies for continuous improvement of IAQ. Radon monitoring in specific zones reinforces this preventive approach. By ensuring healthy air, these measures contribute to the protection and well-being of occupants, especially the most vulnerable.
Sinteo assists you in conducting these measurement campaigns to address health and regulatory challenges. Rely on our expertise to ensure healthy indoor air quality in your buildings!
FAQ
Indoor Air Quality, or IAQ, refers to the condition of the air breathed inside buildings. It is measured based on the concentration of pollutants such as carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, and fine particulate matter, as well as humidity levels, temperature, and odors. Poor air quality can have detrimental health effects, causing respiratory issues, allergies, and impairing the comfort and concentration of occupants, particularly children, the elderly, or vulnerable individuals.
An Indoor Air Quality assessment evaluates the presence of pollutants within a building. It identifies potential sources of pollution, whether from materials, ventilation, or human activities, and provides concrete recommendations to improve air quality. This type of assessment is crucial for ensuring a healthy indoor environment, preventing health risks for occupants, and complying with current regulatory requirements, especially in public access buildings.